Ryan Babel SLAMS Liverpool for failing to support Mario Balotelli

RYAN BABEL says Liverpool need to show Mario Balotelli some leniency to get the best out of the Italian international.

Balotelli has again courted controversy with an offensive repost on social media this morning, while Liverpool fans are also unhappy with the former Manchester City man's on-field form since he joined from AC Milan in the summer.

But Babel has some sympathy for the striker having himself endured an ill-fated spell at Anfield after joining the club from Ajax in 2007.

The former Dutch international, now playing in Turkey, believes that Balotelli could have benefit from more support during his time on Merseyside.

He told talkSPORT: "People think every player should be treated the same, but sometimes you have exceptional players who need a different approach to get the best out of them, and that is Mario.

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Ryan Babel underwhelmed at Liverpool

I also felt I didn't really have the optimum support to get the best out of me, so I think maybe it's the same with Mario.

Ryan Babel

"I don't know him personally, but judging from the outside he should have different support.

"We know he has potential and is a good player. He has shown that before at other teams.

"If I look at myself, people said in the past I didn't show it [my best form] every week.

"I also felt I didn't really have the optimum support to get the best out of me, so I think maybe it's the same with Mario. But I still believe in his quality."